How to Care for Monstera Deliciosa, Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera Deliciosa is one of the must-haves plants for your home. This plant is usually seen in the background of pretty Instagram or Pinterest images, they are really great at giving a homey vibe at the same time are great at making any part of the house come to life. 

These plants are known for having holes on their leaves that make them look more lovely. This plant is not that easy to get and is really expensive as these plants are slow growers that can normally be propagated with a single stem cutting which will take them quite a while for it to be established. 

The Monstera plant has other names such as delicious monster, fruit salad plant, fruit salad tree. This plant’s name is said to come from the term delicious which refers to the fruit of the same plant and monstera meaning Monster which refers to the height this plant can grow up to. 

These plants are native to Panama and southern Mexico. They belong to the Araceae family of the Plantae kingdom. They are known to attach themselves to the trunks of the trees in the forest of southern Asia. These plants can grow up to 10 to 15 feet tall and grows up to 1 to 2 feet per year.

Despite how big these plants can get and how expensive it can be, people still want to buy them for they are really great plants to have in your home. 

1. For Sunlight

The Monstera prefers, indirect sunlight in temperatures that remain consistently between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the Monstera gets too much direct light the leaves will start showing signs of burn. Saying this, it is still good to give them some direct sunlight inside or out to improve new growth. Just make sure you do not give them too much. 

2. Water

During the sunny months where you live, the Monstera will require more water. It is always necessary to wait until the soil is completely dry before watering. The soil dries out quicker in the sunny warm months.

3. Temperature

These plants prefer the temperature of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and would not like it when they go below the temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are fine with normal room humidity but they still prefer high humidity. It is best if you get these plants humidifiers or a mister. 

4. Soil

The best soil to use for these plants is a soil that has a good potting mix. It is best to mix-in ingredients such as perlite or lava rocks to increase the aeration in the plant.  

5. Fertilizer

Monstera Deliciosa is a plant that don’t need a lot of fertilizer but they can still suffer when they do not get any. Liquid fertilizer is best and a 20-20-20 ratio is recommended. It is much better if it is diluted to avoid burning up the roots of this plant. 

6. Propagating

These plants can be propagated by using a stem cutting with at least one leaf. This cutting should be from the bottom-most part of the plant and after, you can either root the plant in a jar of water or transplant it directly into the soil. 

7. Repotting

In repotting this can be done after 2 to 3 years make sure that they are planted to a pot that is at least 2 inches larger than the other pot. 

During the cold months only water occasionally when you are sure the soil is ncie and dry throughout. Monsteras love wet air, so misting them will only make them more happy :)

It is important to keep your Monsteras Clean, just like people, pests love Monsteras. So the best way to prevent pests is to wipe the Monstera's leaves clean regularly. Reducing dust and dirt buildup is a great way to prevent pests. 

Monstera Deliciosa (Philodendron Split Leaf) make some of the best house plants in the world. Be sure to get one for yourself when you are building your urban jungle.